Measuring loneliness in later life: a comparison of differing measures

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Victor ◽  
Linda Grenade ◽  
Duncan Boldy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Social ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
High Level

The social environment is one of the key factors determining the quality of life of older people. Research has consistently demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between social engagement in all forms but especially participation within kin and wider social networks, and a high quality of life. However, this recognition of the importance of this relationship is not new. In the early 1960s, the ‘activity theorists’ of aging posited that the key to a good old age was the maintenance of high levels of activity, including social participation and the maintenance of kin- and friendship-based relationships. This resonates with the ideas of Rowe and Kahn who suggest that a high level of social engagement is a key factor in achieving the individually and socially desired goal of ‘successful aging’. Furthermore, they argue that, with advanced age, the social context, in combination with the physical environment, exerts a more potent influence upon the experience of later life than either intrinsic genetic or biological factors. Whilst the prescriptive strictures of activity theory and successful aging remain the subject of debate, there seems little doubt that the social environment continues to exert both a powerful influence upon, and provides a context within which people experience old age, both individually and collectively.

scholarly journals Brazilian Children’s Understanding of the Quality of Life in Their Living Environment: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5101
Author(s):  
Camilla Aparecida Silva de Oliveira ◽  
Andréa Maria Duarte Vargas ◽  
Fernanda de Morais Ferreira ◽  
Efigênia Ferreira e Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Social ◽  
Graphic Elements

(1) Objective: To understand the perception of Brazilian children about the Quality of Life (QoL) considering their living environment. (2) Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted with children aged 6–10 years, from a medium-sized Brazilian municipality, recruited from public and private schools. An adaptation of the “draw, write, and say” method was used to collect data. At first, all children (n = 252) drew a “neighborhood with QoL”. On the same day, the researcher analyzed the graphic elements of the representations and intentionally selected the two best-detailed drawings from each class (n = 49) and the children were invited to narrate them. The narratives were analyzed through content analysis. (3) Results: Two major themes emerged from the content analysis, namely, the physical environment and social environment. The first included the needs to live in a community, such as housing, places of leisure, essential services, and natural elements. The second was relationships with family and friends. (4) Conclusion: The children presented the meaning of an environment with QoL, pointing out essential items to have this ideal environment. The social environment and the physical environment were perceived interdependently; that is, any change in one of these aspects may affect children’s QoL.

scholarly journals The Best Day of the Week: New Technology Enhancing Quality of Life in a Care Home

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Juul ◽  
Raelene Wilding ◽  
Loretta Baldassar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
The Social ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Meaningful Engagement

Older people living in residential aged care facilities tend to be physically as well as socially inactive, which leads to poorer health and reduced wellbeing. A lack of recognition of the importance of social support, limited resources, lack of training and task-oriented work routines leave little time for staff to meet the social needs of residents. Through qualitative ethnographic fieldwork, this study investigates the potential for new technologies to enhance quality of life and facilitate meaningful engagement in physical and social activities among culturally and linguistically diverse residents and staff in care facilities. A continuum from nonparticipation to full participation among residents was observed when Touch Screen Technology activities were implemented. Data indicate that resident’s engagement is impacted by five interdependent factors, including environmental, organisational, caregiver, patient, and management- &government-related. Findings show that new technologies can be used to increase meaningful physical and social engagement, including transcending language and cultural barriers. However, the successful application of new technologies to enhance quality of life is dependent on their integration into the daily routine and social relationships of staff and residents, with the full support of management. Guidelines governing the use of new technologies to support meaningful engagement of older people in residential care are lacking: this project highlights the importance of attention to the social relational dimensions of technology interventions to support best practice in their use.

scholarly journals What does success mean for autistic men? A narrative exploration of self-determination

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 239694152094552
Author(s):  
Amanda A Webster ◽  
Susanne Garvis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Support Programs ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The Social ◽  
High Level ◽  
Experience Difficulty

Background Studies involving autistic adults have often focused on negative outcomes and quality of life ratings. Aims This study provides a different viewpoint by examining the perspectives of autistic men who consider themselves to be successful. Methods Data were gathered from 10 men who shared their experiences and perceptions regarding their journey to achieve success. Self-determination theory provided a useful lens for examining the men’s narratives and understanding the factors that led to their success. Results Analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) being my own self, (2) a competent professional, (3) solving problems in a neurotypical world, and (4) relating and connecting. These themes reflect the men’s perception of their own self-determination including their autonomy, competence, and relatedness with others. Conclusions The men’s sense of success was derived from their ability to achieve competence in their work, act without help or influence from others and demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and self-reflection. Despite this, many continued to experience difficulty in the social areas of their lives. Implications: These findings suggest that self-determination theory may present an alternative and more positive means of enacting support programs for autistic individuals, and males in particular.

PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE DYAD OF PARTNERS WITH DISABILITIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Natalya Shipova ◽  
Ulyana Sevastyanova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
The Social ◽  
High Level

The relevance of the scientific problem and the scientific novelty are due to the social demand of society for studying problems related to the subjective well-being of people with disabilities. The focus of our attention is the psychological well-being of dyads in close relationships (romantic or marital). The aim of the study is to analyze the psychological well-being in a dyad of partners who are in close relationships. The article analyzes the characteristics inherent in close relations of couples in which one of the partners has a disability. Using the Scale of Adaptation and Cohesion (FACES-3)), the levels of adaptation and cohesion of the dyads were revealed. Methods Quality of life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire examines quality of life and subjective well-being, assesses the degree of subjective satisfaction with emotional and social spheres, health, activity in free time. Particularly analyzed data of a semi-structured interview. Empirically revealed differences in the understanding of their own close relationships depending on the health status of the partner. Dyads, including partners with disabilities, demonstrate a high level of satisfaction, average cohesion values, partial balance. The study is complex, and now there is a clear prospect for its continuation.  

scholarly journals LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG PEOPLE AGED 60 AND OVER, PARTICIPATING IN RESTRICTED SOCIAL NETWORKS IN POLAND: RELATED VARIABLES

2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Kozerska
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family ◽  
High Level ◽  
Difficult Situations

From the perspective of adult education, the engagement of older people in developing relationships with other people is related to their learning and creating their identities. The research conducted in the areas of various countries shows a relationship between a social participation of seniors and their well-being. Moreover, participation in rich social networks, composed of many people, coincides with a high quality of life. The article focuses on senior citizens functioning in restricted networks (less numerous social networks, consisting of several people).The study is to serve three purposes: firstly, to identify determinants of a subjective assessment of own life of senior citizens living in restricted networks; secondly, to analyse a relationship between seniors’ subjective, general assessment of life and their opinion on what determines a successful and happy life; thirdly, to analyse the relationship between seniors’ subjective, general assessment of life and the ways they handle problematic situations. The analysis has been conducted on the basis of the data collected in 2013, available to the general public on www.diagnoza.com. The data was collected within the Social Diagnosis (Diagnoza społeczna) project. The objective of the Social Diagnosis is an investigation of the conditions and quality of life in Poland. It is based on panel research. A questionnaire has been used as a research tool. The article presents information regarding 5623 individuals, aged 60+functioning in restricted social networks in Poland. The Mann-Whitney U test and the two proportions test helped to analyse the differences between variable distributions. The results show that a poor social life of the elderly does not have to be linked with a feeling of loneliness. The group of individuals with a high level of general satisfaction is more satisfied with a relationship with the family (especially children) than the group with a low level of life satisfaction. The analysis confirms that good relationships with family and friends are an important predictor of life satisfaction of the elderly. Health is considered to be a condition of a successful life by seniors with a high level of life satisfaction, as well as relationships with close family members: with children and a spouse. This group of respondents shows more confidence in other people, by whom they feel loved and confided in. In difficult situations people with a high level of life satisfaction turn to others for help, but they also act themselves. Seniors with a low level of satisfaction differ from the previous group in these terms. These are people who do not feel confided in by others and they also hardly ever turn to others for help. In difficult situations they are more often passive. In conclusion, the author highlights the significance of informal learning occurring in families to enhance older people’s quality of life. It is important, especially in case of poorly educated persons with low incomes who often function in small social networks. Key words: informal learning in the family, life satisfaction of older adults, social participation of seniors.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life of Individuals Living In Households with Depression: Evidence from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Dams ◽  
Thomas Grochtdreis ◽  
Hans-Helmut König
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Social ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Household Members ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDepression contributes to disability more than any other mental disorder and is associated with a reduced health-related quality of life. However, the impact of depression on the social environment is relatively unknown. The current study determined differences in the health-related quality of life between co-living household members of depressed persons and persons in households without depression. Furthermore, factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were evaluated. Using a sample of the German Socio-Economic Panel, health-related quality of life was measured longitudinally with the 12 item Short Form health survey. In addition to descriptive statistics, differences in health-related quality of life and factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were determined by mixed effects beta regressions. Mental health-related quality of life was reduced for co-living household members of depressed persons compared with persons of households without depressed persons. Health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was lower for women compared to men as well as for widowed persons compared to married persons. Overall, the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was reduced, which might be due to increased stress levels. It is therefore important to focus on support services for people in the social environment of depressed persons.

scholarly journals Age-Friendly Approaches and Old-Age Exclusion: A Cross-City Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tine Buffel ◽  
Samuèle Rémillard-Boilard ◽  
Kieran Walsh ◽  
Bernard McDonald ◽  
An-Sofie Smetcoren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Research Gap

Developing ‘Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC)’ has become a key part of policies aimed at improving the quality of life of older people in urban areas. Despite this development, there is evidence of rising inequalities among urban elders, and little known about the potential and limitations of the age-friendly model to reduce old-age exclusion. This article addresses this research gap by comparing how Brussels, Dublin, and Manchester, as three members of the Global Network of AFCC, have responded to social exclusion in later life. The article combines data from document analysis and stakeholder interviews to examine: first, the age-friendly approach and the goal of reducing social exclusion; and second, barriers to developing age-friendly policies as a means of addressing exclusion. The paper suggests that there are reciprocal benefits in linking age-friendly and social exclusion agendas for producing new ways of combatting unequal experiences of ageing in cities.

scholarly journals Picture Your Nursing Home: Exploring the Sense of Home of Older Residents through Photography

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. van Hoof ◽  
M. M. Verhagen ◽  
E. J. M. Wouters ◽  
H. R. Marston ◽  
M. D. Rijnaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
The Social ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Sense Of Home

The quality of the built environment can impact the quality of life and the sense of home of nursing home residents. This study investigated (1) which factors in the physical and social environment correlate with the sense of home of the residents and (2) which environmental factors are most meaningful. Twelve participants engaged in a qualitative study, in which photography was as a supportive tool for subsequent interviews. The data were analysed based on the six phases by Braun and Clarke. The four themes identified are (1) the physical view; (2) mobility and accessibility; (3) space, place, and personal belongings; and (4) the social environment and activities. A holistic understanding of which features of the built environment are appreciated by the residents can lead to the design and retrofitting of nursing homes that are more in line with personal wishes.

scholarly journals Impact of Social Support on the Quality of Life in a Sample of Potosinos Older Adultus

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Angelina González Hurtado ◽  
María del Refugio Acuña Gurrola ◽  
Deyanira Loredo González
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Population Group ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Types

Introduction. Because of de increase of the poblation and the heterogeneity of the aging process, it is necessary to know the elements that contribute to successful old age. So the purpose of this study was to identify the type and source of support than has greatest impact on quality of life of elderly mexican participants. Material and Method. Was interviewed a voluntary and intentional sample of143older adults, about their quality of life and satisfaction with the social supportnetwork. Results. Family and not-family links provide types of support that have a specific significant effect on the different components of quality of life and even, except for the couple, not-family support has a greater number of quality effects of life. Conclusions. The diversification and strengthening of all links that make up the network is necessary, because of each link is a potential provider of different types of support, contributes to strengthening the quality of life in this population group.

scholarly journals Materialism and its influence on the subjective quality of life of Brazilian adolescents

2018 ◽  
pp. 251-261
Author(s):  
Janine Silva Nascimento Cunha ◽  
Nelsio Rodrigues de Abreu ◽  
João Agnaldo do Nascimento
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Private Schools ◽  
Subjective Quality ◽  
Subjective Quality Of Life ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Contribution ◽  
High Level ◽  
The City

The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of materialism on adolescents’ subjective quality of life. For the empirical research, 705 questionnaires were applied in public and private schools in the city of João Pessoa (Brazil), resulting 667 valid responses of adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age, mostly women and from private schools. The sampling was by conglomerates and the analysis of the data was quantitative. From the results, it was not possible to confirm the direct influence of the level of materialism on the level of subjective quality of life. The limitations were presented by not having identified a high level of materialism among the adolescents surveyed. The social contribution of this study is the identification of factors that may increase adolescent consumption.

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